Yoga for firefighters

Question

I teach yoga out in the community. I am a firefighter, and truly believe that my brothers and sisters could use yoga both physically and spiritually. They are a very "fit" group, but the rates of pulled muscles and back problems is astounding.

Has anyone worked with someone or have some insight to how I can best translate the benefits of yoga on a level they might understand?

—Brian M Dotson, Us

Answer

Dear Brian,

We put your question out to members of the Ananda Yoga Teacher Association who are teaching in many different settings. Due to space limitations I cannot include all their answers here, but I will summarize.

All agreed that the best approach is to share your experience of how yoga helps meet needs that are important to your students. So don’t start with esoteric aspects. Instead emphasize the practical, tangible benefits such as: